Far from the Madding Crowd · Chapter
XII: Farmers; A Rule; An Exception explained
Bathsheba Everdene makes her first public appearance as a farmer at the Casterbridge corn market, where she attracts considerable attention as the only woman present.
What happens
Bathsheba Everdene makes her first public appearance as a farmer at the Casterbridge corn market, where she attracts considerable attention as the only woman present. She handles business with confidence and charm, but notices one man, Farmer Boldwood, who remains completely indifferent to her. After the market, she discusses him with Liddy, learning that he is a reserved man rumored to have been jilted in his youth.
Themes in this chapter
Independence and Gender Roles
Bathsheba defies convention by personally managing her farm and appearing in the male-dominated corn market, asserting her independence as a woman in a traditionally male role.
Social Class and Ambition
Bathsheba's ambition to run her own farm and her confident navigation of the market highlight her determination to rise above her circumstances.
Deception and Honesty
The chapter explores the mystery of Boldwood's indifference and the rumors of his past disappointment, hinting at hidden truths and the deceptive nature of appearances.
Characters to notice
- Bathsheba Everdene
Makes her debut as a farmer at the Casterbridge corn market, handling business with confidence and attracting attention as the only woman present.
- Liddy Smallbury
Accompanies Bathsheba to market and discusses Farmer Boldwood's indifference and rumored past disappointment.
- William Boldwood
Introduced as the dignified, reserved farmer who takes no notice of Bathsheba, sparking her curiosity.
Key passages
“The numerous evidences of her power to attract were only thrown into greater relief by a marked exception.”
The many signs that she could draw attention were made even more noticeable by one man who did not react to her at all.
Highlights Bathsheba's awareness of Boldwood's indifference and its effect on her.
“He was a gentlemanly man, with full and distinctly outlined Roman features, the prominences of which glowed in the sun with a bronze-like richness of tone.”
He looked like a gentleman, with strong Roman features that shone bronze in the sunlight.
Describes Boldwood's dignified and striking appearance.
“It is said—but not known for certain—that he met with some bitter disappointment when he was a young man and merry. A woman jilted him, they say.”
Rumor has it that he suffered a painful heartbreak in his youth when a woman rejected him, though no one knows for sure.
Liddy shares the speculation about Boldwood's past, adding to his mysterious aura.